Monika Patel, Sarah Billig and Sarah Kutulakos share a deep appreciation for preservation, stewardship and conservation – and are today’s leading voices in sustainable forest management.
Monika Patel, president and CEO of FSC Canada says her career path was also shaped by her love for nature, which began as a child during weekend family hikes in the woods. “From early on, I was fascinated by the connections between nature and humans,” she says, adding that FSC has opened her to meeting diverse and inspiring people who love the forest as much as she does.
Sarah Billig, president of FSC U.S, remembers how reading Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac opened her eyes to the importance of conservation. She was drawn toward action, the ability to sustainably manage natural resources to benefit wildlife, communities, people and ecosystems. “That’s what led me to forestry and to FSC, the intersection of science, sustainability and real-world impact.”
Sarah Kutulakos is FSC’s regional director for North America, drawn by the organization’s reach and special mission. “Spending time in Indonesian Borneo and the Peruvian Amazon made me realize how remote, complex, and important those ecosystems are,” Sarah says. “Forests can be near to home or very far away, but they all need protecting.”
To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) and Women's History Month in March, we spoke with each of them about both conservation and their leadership positions. All agreed that it will take a shared commitment to protect our forests, from everyone in society, to ensure sustainable practices become the norm.
As deforestation and climate change persist, what challenges must we overcome?
Sarah B: The deepest challenge has been our failure to see forests for what they truly are – not just a resource to exploit or a landscape to preserve, but living systems that need ongoing responsible management and sustainable practices to thrive. Without that balance, forests are vulnerable to illegal logging, reckless land use, and climate-driven wildfires.
Monika: I fully agree, especially now at this critical juncture where we face the impact of climate change and witness biodiversity loss. FSC’s evolving National Forest Stewardship Standard is designed to address these complex challenges and, in the face of rising environmental pressures, it must become an essential tool for all organizations involved in forest management.
Sarah K: With our standard as a foundation, FSC is a pathway to developing integrated solutions. The greatest threat to our forests is a fragmented approach to their management. We need to move beyond siloed thinking and embrace a holistic perspective where we recognize how environmental, social and economic factors are interconnected. And we must do it together: governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, businesses, and conservation agencies.
What role does certification play?
Sarah B: Certified forests matter because proof matters. Certification is assurance that wood products are derived from sustainably-managed forests where workers are treated fairly. It matters because it gives all of us a simple, powerful way to help make a difference.
Monika: That power lies in the fact that FSC-certified forests are a genuine way to fight deforestation, protect wildlife, and foster healthy ecosystems. For businesses, certification provides a clear path to meet sustainability goals, mitigate reputational risks, and give consumers the responsibly-sourced products they are asking for.
Sarah K: Absolutely, the FSC logo gives people and businesses a clear choice and a way to help safeguard our environment, protect biodiversity, support fair labor practices and respect Indigenous rights. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s good for the economy.
What does it mean to you to hold a senior leadership role in an industry historically led by men?
Monika: Apart from the amazing opportunity, being a woman leader in this field is a responsibility. I feel the honour of being in a position that inherently challenges norms, and can pave the way forward for other women to join this collective mission.
Sarah K: I certainly echo the feeling that it is both an honour and a responsibility. By leading with integrity, competence, and a commitment to excellence, we can create a space where everyone feels empowered to contribute their talents and achieve their full potential.
Sarah B: For over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from mentors – both women and men – who’ve helped shape my forestry journey. I’m so thrilled the landscape is changing, and I’m stepping into leadership at a time when more women than ever are making their mark in this field. The future of forestry is diverse, dynamic, and full of possibilities, and I’m here for it.
What does a woman-led perspective bring to this sector?
Monika: A woman-led perspective often brings a focus on collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity that, in the case of forest management, are essential for addressing complex environmental and social issues.
Sarah B: I echo Monika and believe leaders across industries have to prioritize inclusivity and empathy, especially for those who might feel unheard. Leadership is strongest when we foster a culture where people feel safe, supported, and empowered – a perspective I do think that women leaders and diverse voices bring to the sector.
Sarah K: It’s a tough question, and everyone is different, but I do think women leaders excel in building consensus by finding common ground, doubling down on inclusivity toward a strong sense of community, and finding creative solutions that balance competing priorities.
How should we best recognize International Women's Day?
Sarah K: It’s a time to celebrate our achievements, acknowledge challenges, and recommit to helping drive an inclusive future. For aspiring women in forestry, I would advise to embrace your passion, be unafraid to share unique perspectives, stay persistent in your career path, and connect with as many others as possible to build a strong network.
Sarah B: Yes – and it’s a reminder to never stop pushing forward, especially when the path ahead feels uncertain or opportunities seem out of reach. Stay open, stay curious, and when the next opportunity comes – grab it! Growth comes from bold leaps, and the world needs more fearless women ready to take them.
Monika: IWD is a moment for us to celebrate the contributions of women here in our industry, in forest management, and for organizations to recognize how much work needs to be done more widely to ensure gender equity. For me, it’s also a reminder that it takes diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges.
For interview opportunities with Monika Patel, Sarah Billig or Sarah Kutulakos, please contact info@ca.fsc.org
More information about these leaders
Monika Patel
Monika Patel is the President and CEO of FSC Canada. With almost two decades of experience in the non-profit sector and extensive involvement within the FSC network at both national and global levels, Patel is uniquely positioned to lead FSC Canada into its next chapter of growth and impact. A highly collaborative, passionate leader and advocate for responsible resource management Patel is known for her ability to connect with and find consensus amongst diverse audiences. She will be focused on elevating FSC’s position as a trusted market leader, continuing work to advance the rights of Indigenous Peoples and demonstrating how sustainable forest management can contribute meaningfully to the climate and biodiversity crisis. In 2022, Patel was also named Canadian Forest Industries’ Top 10 under 40.
Sarah Billig
Sarah Billig is the President of FSC US. A passionate proponent of well-managed forests with more than two decades of experience with the Mendocino Family of Companies in Northern California, Sarah’s achievements include growing an FSC group certificate to cover 100,000 acres of family-owned forests in California, maintaining FSC certification across 440,000 acres of timberland, and overseeing chain of custody certification for multiple mills, distribution centers, and wood treatment facilities. While at Mendocino, Sarah also spearheaded the company’s first two carbon projects and led outreach activities with local and regional tribes and stakeholders. Her intimate field and management experience coupled with her dedicated service on the US board equip Sarah with a distinctive vantage point to drive FSC US forward through its next era of progress and influence.
Sarah Kutulakos
Sarah Kutulakos is a seasoned, multilingual executive with extensive experience leading large and small organizations in multinational business operations in Canada, the US and Asia. She is the Forest Stewardship Council's first Regional Director of North America and will lead efforts to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced forest products in North America. Prior to joining FSC, Sarah led the Canada China Business Council for 18 years and held various leadership positions in marketing and business development at Eastman Kodak Company before that. Recognized for her ability to thrive in complex environments and navigate the intersection between business and government, Sarah is known for taking bold steps to help companies grow their global presence.